Commons Journal - Project Open Gov

The official permanent record of decisions and proceedings in the House of Commons.

Category: Parliamentary documents and sources

Also used as: Commons Journal, Journal of the House of Commons, House of Commons Journal, Votes and Proceedings Journal

Official website: View Commons Votes and Proceedings

Source / explainer: Read UK Parliament information on papers and records

Last reviewed: 21 August 2026

The Commons Journal is the official permanent record of decisions and proceedings in the House of Commons. It is related to the daily Votes and Proceedings, but the Journal forms the authoritative sessional record. It is mainly useful for checking formal decisions, orders and proceedings rather than reading speeches.

Related terms

Commons Business PapersThe official daily papers showing House of Commons business, including the Order Paper and related documents.House of CommonsThe elected chamber of the UK Parliament, made up of Members of Parliament.Order PaperThe official list of business scheduled for a sitting day in Parliament.Votes and ProceedingsThe official Commons record of decisions and proceedings for a sitting day.